Covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer

ABSTRACT

The invention presents a covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer with modulated means of rotation, to promote mixing and exposure of the biomass to heat, thereby allowing complete and efficient pyrolysis of biomass therein. The invention has a portal arrangement for simultaneous entry of fuel and air alongside the exit of emissions and flames to a separate hood structure. In addition to rotational modulation for mixing, the rotational capabilities of the kiln also permit the removal of processed charcoal when the portal is turned downward. The invention also has a system of internal prongs for mixing and sifting removal of char, as well as automated fuel delivery mechanisms and a system of openings to allow insertion of pipes and sensors into the kiln for monitoring and for additional delivery of reagents for better modulation and efficiency by a user during the pyrolyzation process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/964,737, filed Jan. 23, 2020, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/921,631, filed Jun. 27, 2019, both of whichare incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the production of charcoal andpyrolytic gases. Particularly, an improved apparatus and method allowingfor increased quality control, ease of use, cleaner emissions, moreefficient supply of energy, the use of a variety of biomass feedstocks,and affordability in a multitude of locations at mid-range scales whilebeing beneficial for disposal of excessive biomass and for climate-careissues.

Charcoal, or char, production is an ancient industry based on aphysical-chemical decomposition of organic matter (biomass) through theapplication of heat. In recent years, char production has assumedgreater importance, due to increased interest and concern regardingglobal warming, climate change, and atmospheric CO2 concentration.Production and subsequent burning of char results in a “neutral” carboncycle, while production of incombustible char renders the carbon cycle“negative.” Negative carbon cycles are the opposite of fossil fuelburning, which is considered “carbon positive.” Char production isgenerally the only natural process that yields multi-century long-termcarbon negative implications that are irreversible if the char is mixedinto soil as biochar.

Fixed carbon content, the remaining residue after expulsion of volatilematter, is generated through simultaneous carbonization and pyrolizationof biomass. Char results from carbonization, while pyrolizationfacilitates thermal decomposition of biomass and the release of volatilegases. Presence of a flame in the processes is not required, merelyheat, and can be carried out under varying degrees of oxic and anoxicconditions. Low oxygen and anoxic conditions are a key aspect in mostcharcoal-making methods and devices, as an overabundance of oxygen at ornear a surface of generated char can lead to the combustion of the charitself. The balance of oxygen levels with biomass loads can present arisk of wasted energy and loss of generated char.

One issue with prior art devices is the viable economic production ofcharcoal in quantities between 100 kg per 10-hour operational day and upto 10,000 kg per operational day. This level of output would typicallyrequire between 0.5 tonnes and 50 tonnes of biomass input peroperational day. There is a pressing need for a pyrolytic device in thisrange of biomass input that is both functional and efficient inproduction.

Other issues presented by prior art devices include: (i) inefficientheat production for pyrolysis causing an excessive access to oxygen,which consumes generated char and requires restriction or control of airflow; and (ii) how to have the biomass reasonably exposed to the desiredlevels of heat without the biomass or created charcoal insulating orisolating some of the biomass, which requires an improved level ofexposure of the biomass to the heat. These two challenges often comeinto conflict with one another in attempts to achieve the respectiveoutcomes, that is, increased restriction versus increased exposure.

There exist two main methods for production of charcoal in the area ofanoxic pyrolysis. The first is stationary retort technology, in whichbiomass is in a mostly sealed container with external heat penetrationmainly through conduction. Biomass and charcoal are both rather poorconductors of heat, so once charcoal is created by pyrolysis, it caninhibit further penetration of heat into the load of biomass.

Rotating retort technology, also known as heated-screws or augers, isthe other established method of anoxic pyrolysis for increased loadexposure to the heat of pyrolysis. The biomass is continually enteringone end of the screw and is pyrolyzed as it moves to the exit at theopposite end, that is, with two openings. The rotation can also be bythe outer cylinder with a stationary inner screw. Rotation is normallycontinual and in one direction but pauses and reversals could beaccomplished. However, due to the continual nature of these devices,such reversals present their own risks in over-exposure, either due tothe fixed direction of production, the use of textured wall liningswithin the device, or a combination thereof. These devices leave littleroom for user-manipulation or modulation during char production.

Another known method is the traditional production process, utilizingearth-covered mounds of biomass. The biomass is encapsulated under acovering of earth, creating an anoxic condition into which the heatrises from small fires at a lower outer edge of the mound. There is noprovision for moving or mixing any of the biomass, leaving this methodsusceptible to the same issues of efficiency and modulation as manyother prior art methods.

In the area of oxic pyrolysis, various methods exist in the art, allwith specific limitations and issues. Although normally designed for thecomplete combustion down to an ash remainder, incinerators can beoperated with less oxygen so that some amount of charcoal can beextracted. Substantial air flow is used in what is referred to as “aircurtain” technology to produce high heat. Some agitation such as withmovement on the floor grate area is also used to encourage thefragmentation of the created charcoal, allowing heat to reach the morecentral parts of thicker pieces of biomass. Incinerator technology hastwo openings; one opening for biomass entrance and escape of pyrolyticgases and heat and another opening for removal of the charcoal and ash.

Top-Lit Up Draft (TLUD) technology involves a biomass in a staticposition while the pyrolysis progresses gradually from the top to thebottom as controlled small amounts of air enter and move upward from thebottom of the container, such as a barrel or a metal cook stove.Increasing the flow of primary air can increase the limited combustionof the pyrolytic gases, thereby increasing the temperature to createmore gases and create higher-temperature charcoal, which in turncontains less volatiles. One variation of this is the “rick” method,without a container, used by Jack Daniels Company to make charcoal, andalso the “conservation burn” or “controlled burn” implemented by KelpieWilson. Extinguishing is crucial to avoid losing the created charcoal.

Flame-cap, or Open Cavity Kilns, is another known method. Vessel shapesfor this method can include cones, pyramids, Kon Tiki, Moxham, troughs,and trench or pit kilns. A flame-cap or cavity kiln is constructed withno entry of air into the lower cavity of the device, unless byoperator-controlled means. The biomass is exposed to pyrolytic heat fromdirect fire from the combustion of pyrolytic gases within and above theuppermost layers of the biomass. The necessary air enters by coming overthe lip of the cavity, and the oxygen is consumed in the cap of flames.This prevents much of the oxygen from reaching the surface of thecreated hot charcoal. The carbonized biomass shrinks in size and israther fragile and falls downward into the cavity, protected fromexposure to oxygen. Additional biomass is added into the area ofcombustion of the gases, creating more charcoal that then covers andfurther protects the lower layers of charcoal. When the charcoal levelis near the top of the kiln, no more biomass is added and pyrolysiscontinues until there are no more yellow/reddish flames, and smallblueish flames of burning CO2 are seen and some white ash is visible onthe surface of the charcoal. At that time, the char-making operationends either with quenching, by dumping out the charcoal, or bysuffocation with an air-tight lid.

One common issue with flame-cap kilns occurs when the addition ofbiomass is too fast and it prevents sufficient heat from reaching thelower biomass, resulting in incomplete pyrolysis ranging from driedbiomass to torrefied biomass or lower-temperature charcoal than desired.Users of these kilns frequently use long sticks or rods to stir or pryupward the biomass, bringing the insufficiently pyrolyzed biomass to thezone of full exposure to the higher and direct heat of the cap offlames. Because of likely spilling of hot materials, these kilns are notsuitable for substantial physical movement to cause significant shiftingor tumbling of the charcoal created and held in the cavity. Fuel inputneeds to be appropriately gradual and requires the presence andattention of the user. The dimensions have generally not been largerthan 2 meter diameter and 1 meter depth, in part because emissioncontrol decreases as diameter increases. These flame-cap kilns alsotypically lack any form of gas collection or structural flame shielding.

Further, flame-cap kilns in the art generally lack a mechanism, otherthan a pivotal dumping, for removal of char once pyrolysis is complete,leading to the aforementioned operation of the kiln until it is full,after which the process is halted, the char collected, and the processbegun anew. This requirement of strict ‘batch’ operation can severelyimpact the overall efficiency of char production where the availablebiomass is more than can be pyrolyzed by a single flame-cap kiln use;again removing any user modulation from the process.

Historically, prior art gasifiers, mainly down-draft and up-draftgasifiers, are designed to obtain the maximum energy output, includingboth pyrolysis and maximum char-gasification, leaving only ash behind.With the inclusion of design limitations, these gasifiers can leavesubstantial amounts of charcoal behind or to be extracted duringcontinuous operations. Some of these gasifiers have the abilityinternally to poke or prod or push the biomass and/or charcoal to havegreater exposure of the biomass to the heat for pyrolysis. However,gasifiers are subject to strict volume limitations, as well as relyingon carefully controlled entrance of air for selective combustion todrive pyrolysis.

Prior art pyrolyzers and charcoal production methods present issues inthe areas of operational requirements, efficiency, incomplete pyrolysis,temperature control, and biomass compatibility. The present inventionattempts to remedy the shortcomings of prior art pyrolyzers by providinga covered cavity pyrolyzer with integrated tumble-mixing, rotational andoxic modulation, as well as efficient char removal during the productionprocess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a covered cavity kiln, capable ofcontrolling oxygen exposure and pyrolysis processes, as well asregulated rotational modulation to allow physical mixing of the contentsand facilitate exposure of the biomass to the required heat ofpyrolysis. The kiln also allows removal of generated char withoutcomplete interruption of pyrolysis.

Embodiments of the invention include a fire-resistant container of anyshape or size that serves as a covered cavity kiln. The container istotally enclosed except for at least one portal through which air, fuel,charcoal, emissions and flames/heat enter and/or exit therefrom. Theentire covered cavity kiln may be rotated around its longitudinal axis,being supported either at the axis by an axle with legs or underneath bysupporting wheels on a rack or sled. Rotation may be used to facilitatethe shifting or tumbling of the contents to cause fragmentation ofcharcoal and exposure of any insufficiently pyrolyzed contents to theheat of pyrolysis. This is accomplished without undue exposure of theoperator to the heat of the unit. Partial rotation also serves toposition the at least one portal in appropriate ways for fuel intake, torestrict air entrance, to align the exit of the emissions/heat, and fordischarge of the char upon process completion.

In another embodiment of the invention, a grate, prongs, or flanges maybe disposed over the at least one portal to selectively retain pyrolyzedbiomass from exiting when the at least one portal is directed downwards.In other embodiments, the grate may comprise a solid door that could beused when only mixing is taking place and no discharge is desired.

A hood or collector, including chimneys or manifolds is configured abovethe kiln, as a separate structure unconnected to the rotatablecontainer, and configured to gather and direct the movement of theflames and emissions from the kiln. Using natural or induced draft, thispermits greater control and cleanliness of emissions and heat and theirpossible usage.

Pipes, rods, sensors or other objects can be inserted into the kiln ateither end of the kiln. These can deliver accelerants, such as air withoxygen, or decelerants, such as inert gases or water, or chemicaladditives such as fertilizer to alter the pyrolytic process inside thekiln.

Other embodiments of the invention include shelves and bins and otherways to feed the fuel into the covered cavity kiln via the at least oneportal arrangement. Also included are trays and ramps to convenientlyreceive and direct the hot charcoal when it exits downward through therotated portal. These entrance and exit accessories can be manuallyoperated or be automated, such as with motorized augers and drag-chainfloors and hoppers with remotely controlled discharges.

The methods, systems, and apparatuses are set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the methods, apparatuses,or can be learned by practice of the methods, apparatuses, and systems.The advantages of the methods, apparatuses, and systems will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the methods,apparatuses, and systems, as claimed. More details concerning theseembodiments, and others, are further described in the following figuresand detailed description set forth herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a covered cavity kiln.

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of a functioning pyrolyzer of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section illustrating pipes and sensors as insertedinto the kiln of the invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of a configuration of prongs ofan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section view of a configuration of prongs ofan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-section view of a configuration of prongs ofan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the portal positions on a cylindrical covered cavitykiln.

FIG. 6 illustrates prong positions at the portal when rotation isclockwise versus counterclockwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described in reference to the accompanyingdrawings and following embodiments that are presented for the purpose ofillustration and should not be construed to limit the scope of theinvention thereto.

One embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, providesa covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer 1, comprising an enclosure having afirst end surface and a second end surface joined by a continuoussidewall; the enclosure forming an interior area of the pyrolyzer inwhich entry of oxygen is regulated or prevented. Introduction of air isfacilitated via at least one portal 2, such as a door, or regulatedthrough a plurality of pipes 24.

The covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer 1 further comprises at least oneportal 2 disposed along the continuous sidewall of the cylinder,spanning an axis thereof except for an area near each end of the atleast one portal 2 to aid the structural strength of the pyrolyzer 1 Thearea near each end of the at least one portal 2 is further configured toengage a plurality of roller wheels 5, the plurality of roller wheelsconfigured to make contact with and moveably couple the continuoussidewall. The at least one portal area may be divided into two or moresegments, allowing for separation between an entry of air or fuel and anexit of emissions and flames. Some embodiments of the pyrolizer mayfurther comprise a door that can cover some or all of the at least oneportal opening, allowing for variable closure thereof.

The two or more segments may further comprise a plurality of separateholes specifically located and configured to match positions of aplurality of chimneys 8, the plurality of chimneys comprising one ormore free-standing structures capable of covering an area relativelyequal to an area formed by a portal of the pyrolizer.

The plurality of chimneys is further configured to redirect gases thatare expelled from the pyrolizer during use. The plurality of chimneysmay further comprise an attached hood structure 7, the hood structurecomprising a metal sheet supported from above or to a side of thepyrolyzer by a frame 11. The frame of the hood structure may be coupledto, or wholly separate from the rack 4 upon which the cylinder of thepyrolyzer rests. The hood structure 7 may also be suspended from aboveor at an angle to collect expelled gases. The hood structure 7 mayfurther comprise at least one pleated or curved surface, such as domedspaces or channels, the at least one pleated or curved surfaceconfigured to help reduce any impact from crosswinds and to furtherdirect any flaming emissions and expelled gases to the plurality ofchimneys.

The covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer 1 further comprises a cylindricalcontainer with at least two closed ends, configured in a horizontal orinclined position. The plurality of roller wheels 5 of the coveredcavity kiln pyrolyzer 1 may comprise a heat-resistant material, with theplurality of roller wheels 5 affixed to a rack 4 or support. Theplurality of rollers are further configured to be an appropriate sizefor efficient, rotatable coupling of the covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer.

At at least one end of the covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer 1, a pluralityof handles or mechanical couplings 3 is disposed, configured for manualrotation and stability of the kiln. The plurality of handles ormechanical couplings may be further configured to couple a mechanicalmeans of rotation of the kiln.

The hood structure 7 may be configured to extend beyond an area definedby the pyrolyzer, allowing for channeling of heat to desired locations,such as for pre-drying of biomass that could be entering on a fuelfeeder shelf 12, horizontal or inclined to feed biomass to the at leastone portal, or above the hood structure for drying thereupon. The hoodstructure is further configured to be repositionable, allowing slidingand rotating about the kiln's central axis such that the hood structurecovers the at least one portal when in the “straight-up position” asshown in FIG. 5, but allows the portal to remain uncovered when theinvention is in the ‘bulk-fuel-feeding’ position, allowing unobstructedpassage and access through the portal and into an interior of thepyrolyzer.

In some embodiments of the invention, hot emissions may be collected bythe hood structure 7, and then subsequently directed into the pluralityof chimneys 8 and can be further directed for various uses. Suchdirectional control can be by natural draft or by forced draft ofblowers, fans, or inducers.

In some embodiments of the invention, when the charcoal and any ash orbrands are discharged downward, the pyrolyzer may further comprise aninclined surface 21 or a collection tray 22 disposed under the pyrolyzerto facilitate the collection of the output.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more pipes 24, probes 25,or sensors 26 may be configured to enter the kiln via a plurality ofopenings, usually at one or more ends of the pyrolyzer 1. In someembodiments, the one or more pipes, probes, or sensors may be insertedvia an end of the cylinder, while in other embodiments the one or morepipes, probes, or sensors may be inserted through the portal or aplurality of openings 2 disposed at an end of the enclosure. These candeliver accelerants or decelerants to alter the pyrolytic process insidethe kiln, or they can deliver additives, such as solids and granular orpowdered chemicals, for purposes such as the enhancement of thenutritional properties of the charcoal for plants and soil microbes. Thepipes can be for natural or forced flows, all of which may be controlledand modulated by the operator or system.

In some embodiments of the invention, attached to the air pipes or onother pipes or bars 25, there may be prongs disposed thereupon that canbe used for stirring the biomass by either rotation of the pipe/bar orby push-pull or any motion. These prongs are configured to facilitatemixing and creating pockets for air control. The prongs may also havedifferent numbers and spacing configurations according to the biomass inthe cylinder.

Pipes with securely attached prongs 23 may be configured, as shown inFIG. 6, with appropriate separations, within the interior of thepyrolyzer. The prongs may further be disposed along one or more edges ofthe at least one portal 2. The pipes are configured to allow rotationalmovement thereof, facilitated by one or more handles coupled to theoutside of the cylinder. The pipes and securely attached prongs mayfurther be configured to be locked into desired positions. The pipes mayalso be configured to allow the prongs to swing freely, as shown in FIG.4, thereby becoming pressed into position by any charcoal or biomassthat shifts upon them within the interior of the pyrolyzer. Depending onthe biomass and rotation of the cylinder, the prongs are configured tolift or shift the biomass and charcoal when rotated clockwise, whilealso being positioned away from the at least one portal 2 when rotatedcounterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 6.

The prongs can further be affixed in positions, thereby forming astrainer-like structure configured to prevent sizeable pieces of biomasssuch as “brands” that are not yet fully pyrolyzed from falling out whenthe portal is facing downward. This essentially separates much of thecharcoal from the not-yet pyrolyzed biomass. An advantage of this isthat the retained brands can remain in the cylinder and then relocate toa bottom of pyrolyzer interior, where the retained brands can serve as asubsequent starter biomass when additional biomass is added forcontinual charcoal production. While a user is inserting fuel into thepyrolyzer, the prongs can be configured to freely swing or may be lockedin a position that leaves the at least one portal fully open, allowingfurther modulation of oxygen exposure by the user. The prongs mayfurther comprise hollow pipes to allow the dispersal of air orextinguishers such as water or inert gases to allow modulation of charproduction. The prongs may also comprise or contain sensors foroperational monitoring of temperatures at or near the at least oneportal throughout the production process.

The pyrolyzer may further comprise a non-cylindrical shape, such as asquare-sided enclosure having affixed end plates that allow forattachment of a pivot point at a center of the end plates. The pyrolyzermay then be suspended from the pivot points, with sufficient clearanceto allow outer edges of the enclosure to maintain clearance for fullrotational movement.

The covered cavity kiln pyrolyzer may be further constructed inside ofan appropriately sized building or container that could obviate the needfor a rack or a frame or a hood structure. The individual components ofthe invention may derive structural support from other freestandingstructures, as well as derive gas and heat collection or redirectionfrom other freestanding systems designed for such collection orredirection.

The prongs may further comprise a grate or screen coupled to the atleast one portal by an operator for facilitating screening or siftingprocesses. The grate or screen need not be coupled to the at least oneportal throughout any rotational movements of the pyrolizer.Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one door may be disposedover the at least one portal by an operator to enclose the kiln such asfor rotation without char discharge or to maximize emissions forchemical recovery such as condensates. While the at least one door isdisposed over the at least one portal, the pyrolizer is not pressurized,having at least one exit for any expelled gases. During such operation,the pyrolyzer is configured to allow controlled entry of limited airinto the interior of the pyrolyzer and throughout an enclosure biomassto provide sufficient flames to maintain desired pyrolytic temperatures.The at least one door is further configured to allow opening as neededfor refueling and for discharge of generated charcoal.

The kiln may be either portable or configured to operate in fixedpositions. In other embodiments, the kiln further comprises detachablewheels or skids configured to allow transportation of the kiln. The kilnmay further be supported by an adjustable frame to allow inclination atvarious angles by raising or lowering one or more ends of the cylinderto cause any contents to shift toward one end. This movement would allowfor additional shifting of the contents from one end toward another,especially if rotated while inclined. This allows a high degree of fuelfeeding to be done near one end and most charcoal removal to beperformed at the other end, including the possible charcoal removalthrough a plurality of openings in one or more ends of the kiln.

The pyrolyzer may also comprise one or more fuel delivery mechanismscoupled thereto and configured to facilitate transportation of biomassinto an interior of the kiln. In some embodiments, a hopper containingfuel biomass may be suspended above the pyrolyzer and configured todispense quantities of the fuel biomass into the pyrolyzer. Dispersionof the fuel biomass may be automated or initiated through operation by auser. In some embodiments, the pyrolyzer comprises a feeder shelf 12 isconfigured such that fuel entry and the dispensing or outflow of thecharcoal may be automated or facilitated by a user.

The covered cavity kiln operates with the combustion of pyrolytic gasesproviding the heat to sustain the pyrolysis of the biomass in thepyrolyzer. Operator preferences and characteristics of some types ofbiomass could lead to different procedures as needed for the type orquantity of biomass.

The covered cavity kiln of the invention comprises six differentdesignated positions of operation, as shown in FIGS. 5A-F. Each positionof operation may be identified by a radial position of the portal abouta central axis of the cylinder, expressed in degrees on a circle,increasing clockwise for 0 and 360 degrees at the top position. The atleast one portal in this example is 80 degrees of arch. The degrees arewith some approximation and need not be measured or determined withaccuracy on the kiln, as they are merely reference points for thepositions of operation.

Portal Position Position Name Purpose Observations 5A 10 to 90 Shelffuel feeding Slide in fuel on shelf “Normal” position; best flame cap.5B 270 to 350 Bulk fuel feeding Drop in fuel Short time only; lacksdraft. 5C 320 to 40 Straight up Slow the fire Least air entry; “simmer”.5D 140 to 220 Straight down Unloading Used sparingly. 5E Roll 240Rocking back and forth Tumble w/o dumping Use common sense; variesw/fuel type. 5F Roll 360+ Full rotation Mixing extensively Subject toconditional limitations.

When the kiln and the fuel are all cold, the kiln is positioned in thebulk fuel feeding position 5B. Then, a modest layer of cold charcoal isadded as fuel into the kiln to minimize any failure of pyrolysis toreach the lowest levels that are touching the cold steel. Feedstock isadded next, the feedstock configured to ignite an even fire across theentire bed of the kiln. The fire is then ignited and established withplacement of additional fuel.

Next, a user initiates slow rotation of the kiln until the kiln is inthe “normal” or shelf fuel feeding position of operation 5A. Fuel isthen added as needed. This method of operation allows faster and largerquantities of char production than with typical open-top flame-cap (opencavity) kilns due to a user of the current invention retaining theability to mix the contents to attain complete pyrolysis.

When an accumulated biomass and charcoal has amassed within the lowerportion of the kiln and has not fully pyrolyzed, the cylinder is thenrotated back and forth between 5E on the support wheels or central axisof the pyrolyzer, causing the biomass to shift position and expose thenon-pyrolyzed material to heat for pyrolysis. Rotation will also breakapart the pieces of charcoal. Movement of the prongs, flights, liftersand pipes can also assist to expose any non-pyrolyzed material to theheat. Varied and modulated movement and fuel additions continue until alower half of the kiln is full of charcoal.

When the prongs are positioned to extend across the at least one portal,this allows char to be removed through the gaps while securing insidethe container most of the biomass that has not yet been completelypyrolyzed. In this situation, the cylinder can be rotated fully andcontinuously or with rotations in opposite directions, with exit ofcharcoal when in the straight down position, facilitated by the prongs.

To continue making charcoal, a small amount of hot char is retained (andany biomass that is still pyrolyzing, perhaps intentionally added a fewminutes before extracting the charcoal) to avoid needing the sensitiveignition stage previously discussed. Rotating the pyrolyzer back toeither of the two positions for loading in more fuel and then continuingto the normal position 5A.

To completely empty the pyrolyzer, the prongs are positioned away fromclosing the at least one portal so that the contents can be totallyemptied downward by gravity. To reduce the occurrence of rusting, do notwash the covered cavity kiln.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate thatthe foregoing description of the invention has been made with referenceto certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, which describe acovered cavity kiln pyrolyzer. Those of skill in the art will understandthat obvious variations in system configuration, protocols, parametersor properties may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention which is intended to be limited only by the claims appendedhereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A covered, rotatable cavity kiln pyrolyzer,comprising: a. An enclosure, having a first end, a second end, and atleast one continuous sidewall, the continuous sidewall having a centralaxis and forming an interior cavity, wherein the enclosure is capable ofstructurally withstanding combustion of gases and prolonged fire andheat exposure; b. a frame member, configured to engage the enclosure; c.a handle disposed on at least one end of the enclosure, configured toallow handling, manipulation, and modulation of the enclosure duringuse; d. a hood structure positioned above the frame member andconfigured to collect and redirect emissions, wherein the hood structureis unconnected to the frame member and the enclosure, wherein the hoodstructure comprises a pleated or a curved surface configured to helpreduce any impact from crosswinds and to further direct flamingemissions and expelled gases to a chimney; e. a plurality of openingsdisposed in at least one end of the enclosure, configured to accept oneor more sensors or probe or accelerant or decelerant; f. at least oneportal, having at least one edge, disposed through the at least onecontinuous sidewall of the enclosure; and g. a prong moveably coupled toan edge of the at least one portal, the prong is configured to allowselective discharge of contents of the pyrolyzer through the at leastone portal.
 2. The pyrolyzer of claim 1, further having a plurality ofroller wheels at the first end and the second end of the enclosure,configured to engage and moveably couple the enclosure and allowrotation of the enclosure about the central axis thereof.
 3. Thepyrolyzer of claim 2, wherein the enclosure has a plurality ofoperational positions defined by rotational position of the enclosureabout the central axis thereof.
 4. The pyrolyzer of claim 3, wherein theframe member is configured to moveably engage the enclosure.
 5. Thepyrolyzer of claim 4, wherein the hood structure is functionallymoveable about the enclosure, further configured to allow usermodulation and manipulation of collected and redirected gases expelledfrom the enclosure.
 6. The pyrolyzer of claim 5, wherein gases collectedand redirected by the hood structure are utilized by a user tofacilitate continued pyrolysis of biomass through reincorporation orre-injection of the collected gases into the enclosure.
 7. The pyrolyzerof claim 5, wherein the at least one portal further comprises a doormember configured to open and close over the portal, creating anon-pressurized seal within the enclosure.
 8. The pyrolyzer of claim 7,wherein the prong is further configured to modulate a rate of dischargeof processed char, the rate of discharge dependent upon rotationalposition and movement of the enclosure about a central axis thereof. 9.The pyrolyzer of claim 7, wherein the prong is further configured tofacilitate mixing of biomass within the enclosure, the mixing dependentupon rotational position and movement of the enclosure about a centralaxis thereof.
 10. The pyrolyzer of claim 9, wherein the prong isconfigured to facilitate mixing through direct physical manipulation ofthe prong by a user.
 11. The pyrolyzer of claim 10, further comprising aprobe configured for insertion into the interior cavity.
 12. Thepyrolyzyer of claim 11, wherein the probe is configured to deliver airto the interior cavity.
 13. The pyrolyzyer of claim 11, wherein theprobe is configured to deliver extinguishing material to the interiorcavity.
 14. The pyrolyzyer of claim 11, wherein the probe is configuredto monitor a condition of the interior cavity.
 15. The pyrolyzer ofclaim 10, wherein pyrolyzed char is periodically removed from theinterior cavity and new biomass is periodically added.
 16. The pyrolyzerof claim 10, further comprising at least one fuel feeder shelfconfigured to transport biomass into the enclosure, with activation ofthe delivery mechanism capable of modulation by a user.
 17. Thepyrolyzer of claim 16, wherein the at least one fuel feeder shelf isconfigured to activate and transport biomass into the enclosureautomatically.